Buffalo Grove police get additional towing authority

The number of vehicles towed away in Buffalo Grove could well rise after December, as trustees have OK’d an increase in the number of offenses for which a vehicle can be seized.

Currently, Buffalo Grove can tow vehicles where the driver is charged with DUI or is charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license as a result of a driving under an influence conviction.

Starting in December, however, the police department has the additional authority to tow cars if they are involved in:

Ÿ Commission of any misdemeanor or felony.

Ÿ Violations of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

Ÿ Felony violations of the Illinois Cannabis Control Act.

Ÿ Driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Ÿ Driving on a license that has been expired for more than one year.

Ÿ No valid driver’s license and related traffic warrants.

Vehicles will not be subject to seizure if the suspension is for an unpaid citation or due to failure to comply with emission testing.

Getting towed is expensive — the registered owner of the vehicle is liable for an administrative fee of $500, along with the towing and storage fees for the impounded vehicle, as well as other penalties assessed in court.

The ordinance, which goes into effect in December, gives the vehicle owner the chance to plead his or her case in an administrative hearing.

In 2012 the Buffalo Grove Police Department towed 114 vehicles.

Police say that had the new towing rules been in effect in 2012, another 230 vehicles would have been eligible for seizure — which could have brought an added $115,000 in revenue to the village.